M&E works help to modernise historic Edinburgh boarding school

A mechanical & electrical (M&E) services package from Arc-Tech (Scotland) has helped to modernise facilities at an Edinburgh boarding school.

Merchiston Castle School in Colinton is an independent boarding schools for boys. The school has been based at the 100-acre estate southwest of the city centre since 1893 and offers residential accommodation for those aged 11 and over.

Residing within the estate is the grade B-listed Chalmers Building, which has been used by the school since 1929 and currently provides boarding for pupils aged 15-18.

The school appointed Linear Design & Construct to refurbish the east and west wings in March 2022 with Arc-Tech (Scotland) joining the contractor later in that year to lead the installation of all lighting, power, data, fire alarm, security, door access, and heating systems as well as domestic water services, drainage and ventilation, among others.

The works were completed on time in advance of the 23/24 academic year.

John Gallacher, Arc-Tech (Scotland) MD, said, “Our in-house design team is a great asset to our business; their expertise enables early engagement during the pre-construction process and is a great means of helping drive time and cost efficiencies before works commence on-site. This input was a key factor to achieving success on this project, something that was made easier thanks to Linear’s own efforts and their willingness to collaborate as well as the valuable day-to-day support from their site team.

“The contractor has grown to become one of our biggest clients and we are very thankful to have been involved in this project and others over the last 18 months. It was a privilege for the Arc-Tech to work in such a prestigious environment as the Merchiston Castle School campus and we wish faculty and students well for the year ahead.”